Widely recognised as a ‘benchmark in the industry’, Alta QIL+4 Abogados‘ ‘exceptional’ banking and finance team is commended for its ability to handle complex, cross-border mandates, drawing on the strong international profiles of its lawyers (several of whom are dual-qualified in Guatemala and New York) and the support of its regional network. The team advises an impressive roster of leading domestic and international banks, multilaterals and major corporations on the full range of banking and finance issues, from syndicated and bilateral loans to project finance, and has additional expertise in capital markets matters, including sovereign bond issuances. Managing partner Marcos Ibargüen, José Quiñones, whose key areas of expertise include international capital markets transactions, and Alejandro Cofiño and Andrés Lowenthal, both high-profile names for the financing of energy and infrastructure projects, lead the practice. Other notable contacts in the sizeable team include Melissa Echeverría, of counsel Santiago Granados and senior associate Ignacio Grazioso, who is particularly active in project finance.

Arias houses a comprehensive banking and finance practice, which takes advantage of the firm’s regional status to advise on an array of complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, frequently working alongside its other offices in Central America. The team is particularly sought after for its expertise on the lender side, acting for a stellar client list of regional and international banks and multilaterals, with notable strength in assisting development banks with cross-border loans to domestic companies and financial institutions to promote sustainable growth in the region (including the financing of green projects). Luis Pedro Del Valle, whose practice covers the full spectrum of domestic and cross-border transactions, leads the team. He is supported by a strong secondary line-up, which includes director Cindy Arrivillaga, whose dual qualification in New York is a bonus for international matters, senior associate Francisco Zuluaga and associate Andrés Marroquín.

Consortium Legal is highly regarded for the depth and breadth of its banking and finance offering, with expertise across the full spectrum of syndicated loans, acquisition finance, project finance and debt financing, in addition to capital markets transactions and regulatory and fintech matters. The team remains the first port of call to advise a host of major local and international banks, insurers and multilateral organisations on complex transactions, while its ability to join forces with the firm’s other offices in Central America makes the practice an ‘ideal choice for transactions with a regional focus’. Álvaro Castellanos, who has more than three decades of experience in banking, fintech and insurance matters, oversees the practice alongside Melissa Morán, who was elevated to the partnership in January 2025, and is well versed in syndicated loans, international debt issuances and project finance, in addition to forming part of the firm’s regional fintech team.

Benefitting from a strong network in Central America in addition to close links with foreign law firms, Aguilar Castillo Love is highlighted for its deep expertise in international finance, routinely acting in cross-border corporate and project finance mandates and international bond issuances. The team, which counts international investment banks, regional lenders and local companies among its clients, is also active on the regulatory front, including advising on digital wallet and cryptocurrency issues. Juan Carlos Castillo Chacón, who has an excellent track record in capital markets transactions and financings in the energy sector, leads the team alongside Natalia Callejas Aquino, who is particularly skilled in project finance and fintech matters. Associates Rudy Villatoro and Fernanda Narvaez provide key support.

Regional firm BLP is sought out by a host of major domestic and international banks, multilateral organisations and corporate borrowers for advice on high-end cross-border deals, demonstrating expertise across project finance, debt restructurings and capital markets transactions, as well as complex regulatory matters. In particular, the firm stands out for its strength in the growing field of sustainable finance; its impressive recent caseload includes advising on a landmark sustainable bond issuance in Guatemala. At the head of the practice, Jorge Luis Arenales brings extensive experience in advising international clients on cross-border financings, while the strong secondary line-up includes senior associates Anneliss Wohlers, who has notable skill in real estate projects, and Ana Ávila.

Mayora & Mayora, S.C. remains a strong choice to advise domestic and international banks, financial institutions and insurance companies on the full spread of banking-related matters, from high-profile project finance and capital markets transactions to compliance and regulatory issues. The team is particularly well equipped to take on cross-border mandates, thanks to the support of its offices in Honduras and El Salvador. Regional managing partner Eduardo Mayora, who has a wealth of experience in financial and capital markets matters, leads the team jointly with María Fernanda Morales Pellecer, a specialist in financial regulation and a key adviser to local and international financial institutions. Claudia Pereira is another name to note at senior level, with significant expertise in secured transactions, trusts and project finance.

Despite its compact size, boutique firm Clarity Law packs a punch in advising major regional and international banks, multilateral organisations and investors on transactions in the Guatemalan market. In particular, the team stands out for its expertise in the microfinance sphere, advising on loans to social enterprises and financial intermediaries to promote sustainable development in the country. Founding partner José Augusto Toledo, who is well versed in multi-jurisdictional financings and regulatory matters, oversees the team with Ligia Salazar, who is highlighted for her 'extensive banking and financial knowledge', particularly in relation to credit structuring and guarantees. Associate Georgina Jiménez is also noted.

Lex Atlas is adept at advising on both the lender and borrower side of financial transactions in Guatemala, with a client base that includes leading domestic banks, investment funds and companies in the telecoms and energy sectors, among others. The team also has strength in financial regulatory matters. Managing partner Ignacio Andrade Aycinena, who has experience across a wide range of international financings, capital markets transactions and regulatory issues, is a key practitioner in the team. Alejandro Solares Solares is also noted.